'Zombie' cat's owner sues for return of pet

TAMPA, Fla. — The case of a cat that clawed his way out of a grave after being thought dead after a car accident got more complicated Tuesday when its owner sued the Humane Society to get his pet back.

Ellis Wayne Hutson says the cat, named Bart and dubbed "Miracle Cat," has been wrongfully detained by the Humane Society.

Bart was found bloodied and stiff Jan. 15, so Hutson buried him. Five days later, Bart showed up at a neighbor's house, weak, dehydrated and in need of medical attention.

Hutson contacted veterinary clinics, but could not afford the bills so Bart was taken to the Animal Health Center where he was treated for a broken jaw, facial wounds and the removal of a damaged eye.

The organization decided not to return Bart to his owners.

Days after arriving at the humane society, operators received a call saying that some people were going to storm the building to take Bart away. The organization had extra staff in the lobby and was on the lookout for crowds.

The humane society has picked up the cost of Bart's care and has been helped by donations from generous individuals all over the world.

They really do have 9 lives; cat crawls out of grave

Five days after being hit by a car and buried, Bart the cat showed up in a neighbor's yard after digging himself out of his grave.

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Hutson's lawsuit claims Sherry Silk, Humane Society executive director, wants to keep the cat to:

• Retaliate for an argument.

• Cover her behavior related to funds raised for care of the cat.

• Use the cat for fundraising.

• Protect the Humane Society from backlash from the public after falsely accusing Hutson of not caring for Bart.

In response, the Humane Society said: "The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will review all legal options to keep Bart safe and secure. Bart continues his medical treatment and care at the Society's animal hospital."